Participants in an educational workshop, held by Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) in Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel, Abu Dhabi, have recommended that long-term as well as short-term plans that need to be developed to empower teachers, to improve their social status and encourage more male Emiratis to join the teaching profession.
During the workshop which was attended by H.E Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General of ADEC, and a number of educators and stakeholders, participants emphasized the need to take urgent steps to motivate teachers that include providing more financial as well as other incentives.
Dr. Al Khaili believes that the role of teachers is crucial and fundamental for the development of the educational system in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is keen to ensure that teachers enjoy stable careers and incentives to improve their performance in order to provide our students with world-class education that matches the best international practices and standards.
During the forum, international studies on teacher recognition were discussed. Participants discussed how ADEC can change the stereotype image of teachers in accordance with the social and economic nature of Abu Dhabi.
The workshop focused on main elements of teacher empowerment, according to modern administration approaches including Maslow’s and Herzberg’s theories. Among these elements are compensation, work environment, professional requirements, administration & relationships, appreciation, self-confidence and self-fulfillment.
Participants indicated that ADEC should make all endeavors to recruit the best academic and teaching staff from all over the world in order to provide Abu Dhabi students with world-class & quality education in accordance with the highest international levels. Policies and strategies that will lead to improved recruitment and retention of high caliber staff at all levels need to be developed and implemented accordingly.
One of the outcomes of the workshop was the recommendation to develop of an effective communication action plan to highlight the important role played by teachers in developing the new generations and future leaders. Communication with media should be significantly fostered in order to help achieve such goal.
Results of the survey conducted last year by ADEC to measure the satisfaction of 1400 teachers from all educational zones in Abu Dhabi, were presented and discussed during the event. Elements covered by the survey included work environment, governance and leadership, change management, teachers’ relationship with parents and community, professional development, instructional practices, IT and student higher education and career counseling,
During the workshop, participants were divided into work groups to discuss factors affecting the teaching career and profession as well as the initiatives to be taken by ADEC to improve teachers’ image and the best ways to encourage more male Emiratis to work as teachers.
The survey results and forum recommendations will be available at ADEC’s website later.
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